Buckle

ABSTRACT

A quick clamping, quick releasing, buckle is designed to directly engage a strap, belt, or web at any position along the strap, belt, or web without first threading the free front or rear end of the strap, belt, or web through the buckle. The buckle has a locking element for releasably locking the buckle to the strap, belt, or web at a desired position. The buckle is particularly useful for engaging a strap, belt, or web in the configuration of a closed loop without opening the loop, or for releasably joining together the free ends of different straps, belts, or webs. The buckle is arranged so that in its closed position, increasing tension on the web, strap or belt received in the buckle increases the friction on the web, strap or belt to prevent movement of the buckle relative to the web, strap or belt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional buckles typically receive an end of a strap, belt, or web, or the like to be threaded through the buckle. When the buckle is moved relative to the strap, locking means are provided to selectively and releasably lock the buckle to the strap at a predetermined position on the strap. The buckle can be moved, at the selection of the user, into a different predetermined position on the strap by releasing the locking means, moving the buckle relative to the strap which remains threaded within the buckle to a different position on the strap, and releasably locking the buckle to the strap at the new position on the strap.

It is apparent that conventional buckles require an end of a strap to be threaded through the buckle for initially moving the buckle to a predetermined relative position on the strap. Any further adjustment of the strap requires the buckle to be moved relative to the strap, which remains threaded to the buckle. Additionally, complete removal of the buckle from the strap requires that the buckle be moved relative to the strap until it reaches a free end of the strap, at which time the buckle can be completely disengaged from the strap.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a buckle which is removably mounted to any position on a strap, and adjustable to any different position on a strap, without threading the strap through the buckle.

The buckles disclosed herein are particularly useful in connection with the carrying aid devices disclosed in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/150,795, filed Jun. 9, 2005 and entitled Carrying Aid Device. The disclosure of Ser. No. 11/150,795 is expressly incorporated by reference herein.

Other objects and advantages of the improved buckle in accordance with the present invention will be apparent from the following description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a quick gripping, quick release, buckle. The buckle includes a base component for receiving a strap, belt, web, or the like therein, a retaining component pivotably mounted to the base component for removably retaining the strap, belt, or web within the buckle, and a locking component pivotably mounted to the retaining component for releasably locking the buckle in a fixed position relative to the strap, belt, or web.

The retaining component is pivotable relative to the base component along a pivot axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal orientation of the web, belt, or strap received within the base component of the buckle. In this manner, the buckle can directly engage or disengage any position along the strap, belt, or web without the need to thread the strap, belt, or web through the buckle until the buckle reaches the desired position on the strap, belt, or web. Therefore, the buckle in accordance with the present invention is capable of directly engaging or disengaging any position on a strap, belt, or web, including straps, belts, or webs, configured in a closed loop.

The locking component is pivotable relative to the retaining component along a pivot axis substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of the strap, belt, or web. In this manner, the locking component, in its locking position, releasably engages the entire width of the strap, belt, or web to releasably lock the buckle at a desired position on the strap, belt, or web.

In further embodiments of the present invention, the clamp comprises a base and a single locking or retaining element pivotably mounted relative to the base for selective movement between locked and unlocked positions along a pivot axis. The pivot axis is substantially parallel to the direction of extension of a web, strap or belt through the clamp so that the clamp can directly engage any position on the web, belt or strap, without first threading the entire web, belt or strap through the clamp. Moreover, the clamp is arranged so that in its closed position, increasing tension on the web, strap or belt received in the clamp increases the friction on the web, strap or belt to prevent movement of the clamp relative to the web, strap or belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded, perspective view of one embodiment of a quick release, quick engagement, buckle in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate further embodiments of clamps in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 6 a-6 b illustrate a top plan view and a side elevational view of the top piece of a two-piece molded clamp in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 7 a-7 b illustrate a top plan view and a side elevational view of a bottom piece adapted to mate with the top piece illustrated by FIGS. 6 a and 6 b of the two-piece molded clamp in accordance with the present invention; and

FIGS. 8 a-8 d illustrate perspective, side elevational, and cross-sectional views of a further embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a a quick release, quick engagement buckle, in accordance with the present invention. As used herein, the terms “strap”, “belt”, “web”, “webbing” or the like are used interchangeably, and are intended to convey their ordinary meanings.

Conventional buckles for receiving straps, belts, or webbing are generally formed from two components, a base for receiving the strap, belt, or webbing, and a locking element pivotably mounted to the base and movable between an opened position in which the strap, belt, or webbing is freely movable relative to the buckle, and a closed position in which the buckle is releasably locked to the strap, belt, or webbing at a predetermined position on the strap, belt, or webbing. The locking element is pivotable along a pivot axis which is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strap, belt, or webbing so that the locking element engages substantially the entire width of the strap, belt, or webbing when the locking element is in its closed or locked position relative to the base. As a result of the arrangement of the base and locking element of a conventional buckle, it is necessary to thread the strap, belt, or webbing through the buckle by inserting a free end of the strap, belt, or webbing into an inlet of the buckle in order to both engage and disengage the buckle from the strap, belt, or webbing. Moreover, since the strap, belt, or webbing must be threaded through a conventional buckle, it is not possible for a conventional buckle to engage or disengage a strap, belt, or webbing in a closed loop configuration.

The improved buckle illustrated by FIG. 1 of the drawing overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages of conventional buckles. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the improved buckle is formed from three separate components which are generally designated in the drawing as a base 2, a retaining element 4 pivotably mounted to the base, and a locking element 6 pivotably mounted to the retaining element. The base defines a recessed section, generally designated by reference numeral 8, formed between two opposed, longitudinally extending sidewalls, generally designated by reference numeral 10. A channel, generally designated by reference numeral 12, is defined in the proximate center of the base and extends between the opposed sidewalls 10 in a substantially transverse orientation relative to the opposed sidewalls. The recessed section 8 of the base is adapted to receive therein a strap, belt, or webbing (not shown) extending in a longitudinal direction illustrated by the arrow 14. The opposed sidewalls 10 restrain or limit lateral movement of a strap, belt, or webbing received within the recessed section 8 of the base 2.

Each of the opposed sidewalls 10 of the base 2 has a notch or groove 16 defined at the proximate center of each of the opposed sidewalls 10, respectively. Additionally, the front sidewall 10, as viewed in FIG. 1, defines a forwardly extending, upper lip portion, designated by reference numeral 18.

The base 2 further includes rearwardly extending, obliquely oriented, projections 20, extending from opposed sides of the rear sidewall 10 of the base, as viewed in FIG. 1. Each projection 20 defines therein an opening designated by reference numeral 22. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, as illustrated by FIG. 1, the openings 22 are generally oval shaped and are oriented at an angle relative to the longitudinal plane of the base 2. The openings 22 define a pivot axis, generally designated by reference numeral 24, oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of extension of the base 2 and the longitudinal orientation of a strap, belt, or webbing to be received within the base as designated by the directional arrow 14.

The retaining element 4 is pivotably mounted to the base 2 by the opposed free ends of a pin 26 received, respectively, within the openings 22 defined in the projections 20 extending from the base 2. When the retaining element 4 is mounted to the base 2, the pin 26 extends along the pivot axis 24. The retaining element is selectively movable relative to the base between an opened position and a closed position.

The retaining element 4 includes opposed sidewalls designated by reference numeral 28. The bottom portion of the rear sidewall 28, as viewed in FIG. 1, supports the mounting pin 26 for pivotably mounting the retaining element to the base. The forward sidewall 28 of the retaining element, as viewed in FIG. 1, includes a lower, inwardly directed section 30 which defines an inwardly directed lip portion 32. The lower inwardly extending lip portion 32 is adapted to engage the upper outwardly extending lip portion 18 of the base 2 to releasably lock the retaining element 4 to the base 2 when the retaining element is in its closed position relative to the base. As a result of the oblique orientation of the openings 22 defined in the projections 20 in the base, the ends of the pin 26 of the retaining element 4, when received in the openings 22, are movable, within a limited degree, rearwardly and upwardly relative to the base. The oblique displacement of the retaining element 4 relative to the base 2 occurs as a result of opposed forces exerted by a strap, belt, or webbing received within the base when the retaining element 4 is pivoted into its closed position relative to the base 2 (i.e., the retaining element is pivoted in a clockwise direction relative to the base as viewed in FIG. 1). As the retaining element is displaced obliquely relative to the base, the inwardly directed lower lip 32 of the retaining element more firmly engages the outwardly directed upper lip 18 of the base 2, to more firmly releasably lock the retaining element in its closed position relative to the base when a strap, belt, or webbing is received within the buckle. Preferably, the base 2 and the retaining element 4 are formed from a plastic material, preferably injected reinforced plastic, which can be flexed by the user to disengage the lip 32 from the lip 18 when it is desired to open the buckle by pivoting the retaining element 4 into its opened position relative to the base 2 in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in FIG. 1.

The forward and rear opposed sidewalls 28 of the retaining element 4 are connected by two transversely oriented elements 34 which are spaced apart from each other to define an opening 36 therebetween. Additionally, both the front and rear opposed sidewalls 28 of the retaining element 4 have openings 38, which are oriented in axial alignment with each other, and defined near the upper center portion of each of the opposed sidewalls 28. The aligned openings 38 define a pivot axis, generally designated by reference numeral 40, oriented substantially transverse to the planes of the opposed sidewalls 28, and extending over the opening 36 defined between the elements 34 disposed between the opposed sidewalls 28. Preferably, as illustrated by FIG. 1, the openings 38 are circular in configuration.

A locking element, generally designated by reference numeral 6, includes a longitudinal extending lever portion generally designated by reference numeral 42, and two opposed cams 44 extending from the rear end of the lever portion 42 and oriented substantially transverse to the longitudinal plane of the lever 42. Each cam 44 includes a detente 46 defined by an outwardly extending projection, and a flattened portion designated by reference numeral 48. A pin 50 extends through the respective cams 44, and is oriented substantially transversely relative to the longitudinal plane of the lever 42. The locking element 6 is pivotably mounted to the retaining element 4 by inserting the opposed free ends of the pin 50 of the locking element into the opposed, aligned circular openings 38 defined in the sidewalls 28 of the retaining element 4. The locking element is selectively movable relative to the retaining element between a closed, locked position and an opened, unlocked position. When the locking element 6 is mounted to the retaining element 4, the pin 50 of the locking element coincides with the pivot axis 40 defined between the aligned openings 38 of the retaining element 4. Therefore, the locking element 6 is pivotable relative to the retaining element 4 along a plane which is substantially transverse to the plane along which the retaining element 4 pivots relative to the base 2, and is substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of extension of the base 2 and the arrow 14 indicating the longitudinal direction of a strap, belt, or webbing received within the buckle.

The locking element 6 includes a rear wall, generally designated by reference 52, disposed between the opposed cams 44. The upper portion of the rear wall 52 includes a toothed segment generally designated by reference numeral 54. Preferably, the locking element 6 is formed from the same material, injection molded reinforced plastic, as the base 2 and the retaining element 4.

The buckle in accordance with the present invention is assembled by inserting the opposed free ends of the pin 26 of the retaining element 4 into the openings 22 of the base 2, and by inserting the opposed free ends of the pin 50 of the locking element 6 into the openings 38 of the retaining element 4. In its assembled state, the retaining element 4 is selectively rotatable relative to the base 2, while the locking element 6 is selectively rotatable relative to the retaining element 4. The rotation of the retaining element 4 relative to the base 2 is independent of the rotation of the locking element 6 relative to the retaining element 4, and the rotation of the locking element 6 relative to the retaining element 4 is independent of the rotation of the retaining element 4 relative to the base 2. As a result of the transverse orientation of the pivot axis 24 and the pivot axis 40, the locking element 6 rotates relative to the retaining element 4 along a plane which is substantially transverse to the plane along which the retaining element 4 rotates relative to the base 2.

In operation, the buckle is opened by rotating retaining element 4 in a counterclockwise direction relative to the base 2 as viewed in FIG. 1. A strap, belt, or webbing is received within the recessed portion 8 of the base, and the retaining element 4 is then rotated clockwise relative to the base 2 into a closed position. At this time, the locking element 6 is in its opened, unlocked position in which it does not engage the top surface of the strap, belt, or web received between the base 2 and the retaining element 4. The structure of the base 2 and retaining element 4 are formed and arranged such that sufficient clearance is provided therebetween to permit the buckle to freely move relative to the strap, belt, or webbing in a longitudinal direction of the strap, belt, or webbing as indicated by directional arrow 14. When the buckle is moved into a desired position relative to the strap, belt, or webbing, the lever 42 of the locking element 6 is pivoted forwardly (counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 1) relative to the retaining element 4 so as to move the toothed section 54 into firm engagement with the top surface of the strap, belt, or webbing received in the buckle to releasably lock the buckle in a fixed position relative to a predetermined position on the strap, belt, or webbing. In this position, the toothed section 54 is aligned with the channel 12 in the base 2 to firmly and fixedly retain the strap, belt, or webbing in the base. The rear wall 52 of the lever 42 of the locking element 6 is provided with clearance and access to the strap, belt, or webbing received in the base 2 through the opening 36 defined in the retaining element 4. The grooves 16 in the sidewalls 10 of the base 2 are arranged so as to receive the detentes 46 of the locking element 6 when the locking element is pivoted into its forwardmost locking position (as viewed in FIG. 1). In this position, the top surface of the lever 42 is flush against the top surface of the forward element 34 of the retaining element 4 which acts as a stop to limit the maximum forwardmost (counterclockwise) rotation of the locking element 6 relative to the retaining element 4. In this position, the locking element 6 is received within the clearance between the top surface of the front element 34 and the top of the sidewalls 28 of the retaining element. Similarly, when the locking element 6 is rotated rearwardly (clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1) into its unlocked position, the top surface of the rear element 34 of the retaining element 4 engages the bottom surface of the lever 42 and acts as a stop to limit the maximum rearward (clockwise) rotation of the locking element 6 relative to the retaining element 4.

The cams 44 of the locking element 6, as noted above, have both detentes 46 and flattened portions 48. When the locking element 6 is pivoted forwardly (counterclockwise) into its locking position in which the toothed segment 54 engages the strap, belt, or webbing received within the base 2, the action of the cams relative to the opposed sidewalls 10 of the base results in a displacement of the retaining element relative to the base. When this occurs, the pivot pin 26 of the retaining element is moved upwardly relative to the oblique openings 22 in the base. This causes the lower inwardly extending lip 32 of the retaining element 4 to be displaced inwardly relative to the upper outwardly extending lip 18 of the base 2, so that the lips 32 and 18 are in firm engagement for releasably locking the retaining element 4 to the base 2. The retaining element 4 is releasable from the base 2 by pivoting the locking element 6 rearwardly relative to the retaining element 4 (clockwise as viewed in FIG. 1) so that the pivot pin 26 of the retaining element 4 is movable downwardly relative to the oblique openings 22 of the base 2 to permit disengagement of the lip 32 of the retaining element 4 from the lip 18 of the base 2. Therefore, the locking element 6 advantageously performs a dual function—the locking element releasably locks the buckle to a predetermined position on a strap, belt, or webbing to selectively retain the buckle in a fixed position relative to the strap, belt, or webbing, and the locking element also releasably locks the retaining element 4 to the base 2 when the strap, belt, or webbing is received within the buckle.

The buckle in accordance with the present invention is advantageous over conventional buckles in many respects. Because the retaining element 4 pivots relative to the base 2 along a pivot axis substantially parallel to the longitudinal orientation of a strap, belt, or webbing received within the base, the buckle can directly engage the strap, belt, or webbing at any point along its length without first threading a free end of the strap, belt, or webbing through the buckle until the desired position on the strap, belt, or webbing is reached. Similarly, the buckle can be directly disengaged from the strap, belt, or webbing without unthreading the strap, belt, or webbing through the buckle.

Moreover, since it is unnecessary to thread the strap, belt, or webbing through the buckle to engage or disengage the buckle from the strap, belt, or webbing, the buckle can directly engage or disengage straps or webbing formed in a closed loop configuration.

FIG. 1 also designates an extension section 56 extending longitudinally from one end of the base 2 of the disclosed buckle. The extension section 56 can be integrally formed with the base 2. Oval configured slots, designated by reference numerals 58 and 60, are defined in the extension section 56, and oriented in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal direction of extension of section 56. The extension section 56, and the oval slots 58 and 60, are adapted to secure one end of a strap, belt, or web to the buckle, while the buckle itself releasably engages a different position on the same strap, belt, or web to result in a closed loop, the radius of which is adjustable by adjusting the position on the strap, belt, or web releasably engaged by the buckle. In adjusting the radius of a closed loop, it is not necessary to thread a free end of the strap, belt, or web through the buckle since the buckle can directly engage any desired position on the strap, belt, or web.

It is also within the scope of the present invention to join together two separate buckles as illustrated by FIG. 1 along an intermediate section between the two buckles. Preferably, the pair of buckles are arranged in an inverted, mirror image relationship, in which one of the buckles faces upwardly, while the other buckle faces downwardly. The pair of joined buckles is particularly adapted for releasably retaining the free ends, respectively, of two separate belts, straps, or webs to releasably join together the two separate straps, belts, or webs. The position of each of the buckles is independently adjustable with respect to the position in which it engages its respective belts, straps, or web so that each buckle can engage a belt, strap, or web at a different desired position along the respective belt, strap, or web received therein.

FIGS. 2-5 illustrate different exemplary clamps which can be employed in the present invention. Referring first to FIG. 2, a clamp generally designated by reference numeral 62 includes a base generally designated by reference numeral 64 and a locking element or lever generally designated by reference numeral 66 pivotably mounted relative to the base along a pivot element generally designated by reference numeral 68 extending along a pivot axis designated by reference numeral 70. The base 64 defines two longitudinally extending openings 72 in a recessed portion or channel 74 in the base 64. The pivotable element 66 defines two longitudinally extending protuberances 76 which complement and are adapted to be received within the longitudinal openings 72 in the base 64 when element 66 is pivoted in a clockwise direction as shown in FIG. 2 into a closed position relative to the base 64. A latch 78 having a downwardly extending lip portion 80 is defined at the free end of the pivotable element 66. A retaining element 82, having a forwardly extending lip portion 84, is defined on the base 64. When element 66 is pivoted into a closed position relative to the base 64, the lip 80 of the latch 78 engages the lip 84 of the retaining element 82 on the base to releasably lock element 66 into a closed position relative to the base so that the protuberances 76 on element 66 are received within the openings 72 in the base. The base 64 and the pivotable element 66 are preferably formed from a rigid material, such as a ABS, PVC or nylon plastic, to readily lock and unlock the pivot element 66 in its closed position relative to the base 64.

In operation, a portion of the carrying strap 86 of a bag or luggage is placed within the channel 74 of the base 64 when the clamp 62 is in its opened position as illustrated by FIG. 2. The strap 86 is oriented along a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal plane of the base 64. Element 66 is then pivoted into its closed position to removably lock the clamp relative to the strap 86. The strap 86 is firmly retained within the closed clamp by the action of the protuberances 76 forcing the portion of the strap 86 in the channel 74 into the longitudinal openings 72 defined in the base. The opposing force exerted by the portion of the strap 86 received in the channel 74 against the pivotable element 66 tends to firmly lock the lip 80 of the latch 78 into the lip 84 of the retaining element 82 on the base to securely retain the strap 86 in a fixed position relative to the clamp 62 when the clamp is in its closed position. Horizontally extending openings 88, which are oriented along a plane substantially transverse to the longitudinal plane of the clamp 62, are defined proximate to the free end of the base 64. The openings 88 are provided to receive a retaining strap worn around the body of the user (as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4 of Ser. No. 11/150,795) for mounting the clamp 62 to the retaining strap.

FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of a clamp which can be employed in conjunction with the present invention. The clamp illustrated by FIG. 3 is shown in its closed position in which a pivotable locking element or latch 90 is flush against the top surface of a base 92. The adjacent surfaces of elements 90 and 92, which engage when the clamp is in the closed position shown in FIG. 3, define an internal diamond pattern, generally designated by reference numeral 94, for the purpose of removably retaining therein a portion 96 of the carrying strap of a bag or luggage. The base includes a release lever, generally designated by reference numeral 98, for removably locking the pivotable closure element 90 in its closed position relative to the base 92. Openings 100, extending transverse to the longitudinal plane of the clamp, are defined proximate to the remote end of the base 92 for receiving the retaining strap worn around the body of the user for mounting the clamp to the retaining strap.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of a clamp which can be employed for use in connection with the present invention. A closure element 104 is pivotable relative to a base 102 along a pivot axis defined by a flexible hinge generally designated by reference numeral 106. The clamp illustrated by FIG. 4 is a one-piece molded clamp. A flexible hinge generally designated by reference numeral 108, is disposed between two tabs 110 defined on the free end of the pivotable element 104. A latch 112 extends from the bottom of the forwardmost tab 110, and is adapted to be received within a horizontally extending opening 114 defined in the base 102. When the closure element 104 is pivoted into its closed position relative to the base 102, the latch 112, which extends through the opening 114 in the base, engages the underside of the base to releasably lock the closure element 104 in its closed position relative to the base 102. A portion 116 of the carrying strap of a bag or luggage is received within a channel 118 defined in the base 102 so as to retain the strap 116 fixed relative to the base 102 when the clamp is in its closed position. The opposing force of the strap 116 against the closure element 104 in the locked position of the clamp tends to cause the latch 112 to firmly engage the undersurface of the base 102 to securely and releasably retain the clamp in its closed position. When it is desired to open the clamp, the two tabs 110 on the closure element 104 are flexed relative to each other along the flexible hinge 108 so as to disengage the latch 112 from the undersurface of the base 102 to permit the latch 112 to be pivoted through the opening 114 in the base 102 into the opened position of the clamp as shown by FIG. 4.

FIG. 5 illustrates a one-piece molded clamp, as illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the releasable locking mechanism has been modified. In the FIG. 5 embodiment of the invention, opposed recesses designated by reference numeral 120 are defined on opposite sides of the base 102. Locking tabs 122 extend from opposed sides of the pivotable closure element 104, and a flexible hinge 124 is disposed between the tabs 122. Each tab 122 includes a lower extending lip 126, which engages the undersurface of the base 102 when the closure element 104 is pivoted into its closed position in which the lower portion of the tabs 122 are received, respectively, in the side recesses 120 of the base 102. When it is desired to release the closure element 104 from the base 102, the top portions of the tabs 122 are flexed together, which causes the lips 126 to disengage from the undersurface of the base 102, thereby permitting the closure element 104 to be pivoted in a counterclockwise direction away from the base 102. The embodiment of the clamp illustrated by FIG. 5 modifies the embodiment of the clamp illustrated by FIG. 4 to provide releasable locking means for the clamp which are oriented laterally, and not longitudinally, relative to the base 102.

As noted, the clamps illustrated by FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawing are one-piece molded clamps. Each of the clamps illustrated by FIGS. 2-5 of the drawings are formed from a flexible material, as for example polypropylene plastic, to permit flexing of the clamp locking mechanism for releasably locking the clamp in its closed position and for releasably unlocking the clamp for movement into its opened position.

FIGS. 6 a, 6 b, 7 a and 7 b illustrate a further embodiment of a two-piece molded web clamp in accordance with the present invention. FIGS. 6 a and 6 b illustrate a top piece of the two-piece clamp, while FIGS. 7 a and 7 b illustrate the bottom piece of the two-piece molded clamp to be mated with the top piece. FIG. 6 a is a top plan view of the top piece, generally designated by reference numeral 128, while FIG. 6 b is a side elevational view of the top piece 128. FIG. 7 a is a top plan view of the bottom piece, generally designated by reference numeral 130, while FIG. 7 b is a side elevational view of the bottom piece 130.

As best shown by FIG. 6 b, top piece 128 includes a slide element generally designated by reference numeral 132, extending downwardly therefrom, while bottom piece 130 defines a pivot slot generally designated by reference numeral 134 defined therein. A spring, as for example the accordian spring designated by reference numeral 133, is provided to exert a resilient force on the slide element 132. In the alternative, the slide element itself can be formed from a resilient plastic material. When the top piece 128 is mated to the bottom piece 130, the slide element 132 is received within the pivot slot 134. A series of protuberances 136 extend downwardly from the lower surface at the top piece 128, while a plurality of matching, but alternatively spaced protuberances 138 extend upwardly from the top surface of the bottom piece 130. The protuberances 136 and 138 extending from the lower and upper surfaces of the top and bottom clamp portions 128 and 130, respectively, are provided, for example, to retain the web of a luggage strap received within the clamp when the clamp is closed, as more fully disclosed in Ser. No. 11/150,795. In the alternative, the protrusions 136, 138 can be eliminated and replaced by two or more longitudinal protuberances 76 and complementary channels 72, as illustrated by FIG. 2.

As best illustrated by FIGS. 6 b and 7 b, the free end of the slide 132 extending downwardly from the bottom surface of the top piece 128 terminates in a hook portion designated by reference numeral 140. The pivot slot 134 in the lower piece 130 defines a ramp portion designated by reference numeral 142 and a chamber portion designated by reference numeral 144. When the top piece 128 is mated with the lower piece 130, the slide element 132 is received within the pivot slot 134 and guided down the ramp portion 142 until the hook 140 at the remote end of the slide 132 is received within the chamber portion 144 and retained therein by engagement between the hook 140 and the forward portion of the ramp 142. The angular orientation of the inner surface of the intermediate portion of the slide 132 corresponds to the angular orientation of the ramp portion 142 so that the inner surface 146 of the intermediate portion of the slide 132 rests flush against the outer surface of the ramp portion 142 when the top piece 128 and the bottom piece 130 of the clamp are assembled. The downwardly extending vertically oriented portion of the slide 132, in addition to joining the slide portion 132 to the bottom surface of the top piece 128, also acts as a stop for preventing lateral movement of the webbing of a portion of a luggage strap received within the clamp when the clamp is in its closed position.

The forward end of the top piece 128 of the clamp defines a downwardly extending element designated by reference numeral 148. The free end of element 148 defines a hook generally designated by reference numeral 150. The forward end of the bottom piece 130 defines a latch generally designated by reference numeral 152. The latch 152 is aligned with the hook 150 of the top piece 128 so that the hook releasably engages the latch to retain the clamp in a closed position when the top piece 128 is pivoted relative to the bottom piece 130. A light duty spring, generally designated by reference numeral 154, extends from the upper surface of the bottom piece 130 to exert a resilient force on the top piece 128 urging it to pivot in a clockwise direction relative to the bottom piece 130 to guide the clamp into its closed position. However, the clamp is primarily maintained in its closed position as a result of the engagement between the hook 150 engaging the latch 152, supplemented by the opposing force of the portion of the web of a luggage strap retained within the clamp when the clamp is in its closed position. The force exerted by the web, which is enhanced by the complementary protuberances 136 and 138 on the top and bottom pieces of the clamp, also serve to fixedly retain the web within the clamp by frictional engagement when the clamp is in its closed position. A release end of the top piece 128, generally designated by reference numeral 156, is provided to enable slight lateral movement of the top piece 128 relative to the bottom piece 130, overcoming the resilient force of the spring 154, to disengage the hook 150 of the top piece 128 from the latch 152 of the bottom piece 130 to open the assembled clamp. As previously noted, the top and bottom pieces 128 and 130 are designed so that a limited degree of lateral or sliding movement is permitted between the top piece 128 relative to the bottom piece 130 to permit the user to selectively engage and disengage the hook 150 of the top piece 128 and the latch 152 of the bottom piece 130. The top piece 128 is movable relative to the bottom 130 by applying a force, in the desired direction to the release end 156 of the top piece 128. The hook 150 and the latch 152 can be manually engaged by the user to assure a firm gripping engagement when the clamp is in its closed position, and manually disengaged by the user after the top piece has been moved forward relative to the bottom piece.

FIGS. 8 a, 8 b, 8 c and 8 d illustrate a further embodiment of a clamp in accordance with the present invention. The clamp, which is generally designated by reference numeral 158, includes a base portion 160 defines a rectangular, central opening 162, and a slot 164. A locking or retaining element 166, which is generally semi-spherical in cross-sectional configuration and is larger in width than the central opening 162, is pivotably mounted to the base by a hinge 168 at one end of the locking element. A member 170 carrying a latch 171 extends from the opposed free end of the locking element, and is adapted to be releasably received within the slot 164 in the base to lock the clamp into a closed position, as illustrated by FIGS. 8 b and 8 c. A main web 172 is placed between the base of the clamp and the locking or retaining element when the clamp is in its opened position as illustrated by FIG. 8 a. The main web is oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the pivot axis of the hinge, and is locked to the clamp by pivoting the locking or retaining element 166 into its closed position, in which the latch 170 is releasably received within the locking slot 164. In the locked position of the clamp, the locking or retaining element 166 is received within the central rectangular opening 162 in the base 160, and the main web 172 is positioned in the clamp by engagement of the latch 171 with the slot 164. In this arrangement, friction on the web increases as a result of a pressure difference between the locking element and the base when the main tension on the web is increased. Therefore, the greater the main tension applied to the main web 172, the more firm is the holding engagement between the clamp and the web making it more difficult to move the clamp relative to the main web. FIG. 8 a also illustrates a slot 176 at one end of the base of the clamp (preferably the end of the base defining the slot for the latch for the locking element), and a secondary web 178 oriented substantially transverse to the pivot axis of the locking or retaining element.

The carrying aid devices disclosed in Ser. No. 11/150,795, and the clamps employed by the carrying aid devices in accordance with the inventions described herein, have been discussed primarily in conjunction with fixedly retaining the position of luggage or baggage relative to the body of the person carrying the luggage or baggage for illustrative purposes. However, the clamps also have uses and applications other than for retaining luggage or baggage on the body of the carrier. For example, the clamps in accordance with the present invention can be used to fixedly secure the position of any article mounted to any object by belts, straps and webbing. This is accomplished in the same manner as previously described with regard to luggage and baggage—namely, the clamps engage the strap, belt or webbing of an article to releasably retain the article in a fixed position relative to the object to which the article is mounted for preventing displacement of the article relative to the object.

The clamps disclosed herein also may be used for any purpose or application as conventional clamps.

The clamps disclosed herein are preferably formed from plastics. However, the type of plastic used will vary depending on the characteristic (e.g., flexibility or rigidity) needed for the specific clamp or component thereof.

The clamps illustrated by FIGS. 2-8, like the clamp illustrated by FIG. 1, are capable of directly engaging a web, strap, or belt at any position thereon without first threading an end of the web, strap or belt through the clamp. Moreover, in all embodiments of the clamp disclosed herein, the base and locking or retaining element of the clamp are arranged so that increasing the tension on the main web received in the clamp increases the friction on the web as a result of pressure differences between the base and the locking or retaining element to prevent movement of the clamp relative to the web.

Other applications of and modifications to the carrying aids within the scope of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the carrying aids of the preferred embodiments of the invention discussed herein are intended to be illustrative only and not restrictive of the scope of the invention, that scope being defined by the following claims and all equivalents thereto. 

1. A clamp for releasably retaining a web, belt or strap therein, said clamp comprising a base and a retaining element pivotably mounted relative to each other along a first pivot axis, said retaining element being selectively pivotable relative to said base between an opened position and a closed position in which said web, belt or strap is releasably retained in said clamp, said first pivot axis being oriented in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of extension of said web, belt or strap through said clamp.
 2. The clamp as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a locking element pivotably mounted relative to said retaining element along a second pivot axis, said locking element being selectively pivotable relative to said retaining element between a locked position and an unlocked position, said locking element arranged relative to said retaining element such that said second pivot axis is oriented substantially transversely relative to said first pivot axis.
 3. The clamp as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking element includes means for releasably fixing the position of said buckle relative to a strap, belt, or web received in said base and extending in said longitudinal direction of said base.
 4. The clamp as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking element includes means for releasably locking said retaining element in said closed position relative to said base.
 5. The clamp as claimed in claim 2, wherein said locking element includes first means for releasably fixing the position of said buckle relative to a strap, belt, or web received within said base and extending in said longitudinal direction of said base, and second means for releasably locking said retaining element in said closed position relative to said base.
 6. The clamp as claimed in claim 1, further including means for moving said retaining element relative to said base along a plane oriented at an angle relative to said first pivot axis for releasably locking said retaining element to said base.
 7. The clamp as claimed in claim 2, further including means for moving said retaining element relative to said base along a plane oriented at an angle relative to said first pivot axis for releasably locking said retaining element to said base.
 8. The clamp as claimed in claim 7, wherein said locking element comprises said means for moving said retaining element relative to said base along said plane oriented at an angle relative to said first pivot axis, said locking element cooperating with said retaining element and said base such that said retaining element is moved along said plane oriented at an angle relative to said first pivot axis when said locking element is pivoted along said second pivot axis into said locked position.
 9. The clamp as claimed in claim 8, further including cooperating engagement elements on said base and said retaining element for limiting the relative movement of said retaining element relative to said base along said plane oriented at an angle relative to said first pivot axis when said retaining element is in said closed position relative to said base and said locking element is in said locked position relative to said retaining element.
 10. The clamp as claimed in claim 9, wherein said cooperating engagement elements comprise: at least one opening defined in said base and oriented along said plane oriented at any angle relative to said first pivot axis; and at least one member on said retaining element adapted to be received within said at least one opening in said base.
 11. The clamp as claimed in claim 10, wherein said base and said retaining element are pivotably mounted to each other along said first pivot axis by said cooperating engagement elements.
 12. A clamp comprising a base and a retaining element for selectively retaining a strap, web or belt therebetween, said base and said retaining element being pivotably mounted to each other along a pivot axis for relative movement between opened and closed positions of said clamp, said pivot axis being oriented substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of extension of a strap, web or belt retaining in said clamp.
 13. The clamp as claimed in claim 12, further including cooperating locking elements on said base and said retaining element for releasably locking said retaining element to said base in said closed position of said clamp.
 14. The clamp as claimed in claim 12, wherein said base and said retaining element are formed together as a single unit.
 15. The clamp as claimed in claim 12 wherein said base defines an opening therein, and said retaining element includes a protuberance thereon, said base and said retaining element arranged such that said protuberance is received in said opening to fixedly retain said strap, web on belt in said clamp when said clamp is in said closed position.
 16. The clamp as claimed in claim 13 wherein said retaining element and said base are arranged such that increasing tension on said strap, web or belt increases the force with which said clamp engages said strap, web or belt when said clamp is in said closed position.
 17. A method of releasably locking a clamp to a strap, belt, or web removably received within said clamp, said clamp comprising a base for removably receiving therein a portion of said strap, belt, or web extending through said base in a longitudinal direction, and a retaining element pivotably mounted to said base along a first pivot axis, said retaining element being selectively pivotable relative to said base between an opened position and a closed position, said first pivot axis being substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction of extension of said strap, belt, or web through said base, the steps of said method comprising: pivoting said retaining element relative to said base along said first pivot axis into said opened position; causing said clamp to directly engage a predetermined position on said strap, belt, or web without threading an end of said strap, belt, or web through said clamp; and pivoting said retaining element relative to base into said closed position for releasably retaining said strap, belt, or web between said retaining element and said base.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 17, further including the step of: releasably locking said clamp to said predetermined position on said strap, belt, or web for fixedly retaining said clamp relative to said strap, belt, or web on said predetermined position thereon.
 19. The method as claimed in claim 17, further including the step of: releasably locking said retaining element to said base when said retaining element is moved into said closed position relative to said base.
 20. The method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the step of releasably locking said retaining element to said base includes the step of selectively moving said retaining element relative to said base along a plane oriented at an angle relative to said longitudinal direction of extension of said strap, belt, or web through said base.
 21. The method as claimed in claim 18, further including the step of pivotably mounting a locking element to said retaining element along a second pivot axis oriented substantially transversely relative to said first pivot axis, said locking element being selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
 22. The method as claimed in claim 19, further including the step of pivotably mounting a locking element to said retaining element along a second pivot axis oriented substantially transversely relative to said first pivot axis, said locking element being selectively movable between a locked position and an unlocked position.
 23. The method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the step of releasably locking said clamp to said predetermined position on said strap, belt, or web includes the step of moving said locking element into said locked position.
 24. The method as claimed in claim 22, wherein the step of releasably locking said retaining element to said base comprises the step of moving said locking element into said locked position.
 25. The method as claimed in claim 17, further including the step of: releasably locking said retaining element to said base when said retaining element is moved into said closed position relative to said base, and releasably locking said clamp to said predetermined position on said strap, belt, or web for fixedly retaining said clamp relative to said strap, belt, or web on said predetermined position thereon.
 26. The method as claimed in claim 17 when said base defines an opening therein and said retaining element has a protuberance thereon, said step of pivoting said retaining element relative to said base including the step of pivoting said protuberance into said opening for releasably retaining said web, strap or belt as a result of frictional engagement with said base and said protuberance on said retaining element.
 27. The method as claimed in claim 17, further including the step of arranging said base and said retaining element such that increasing the tension on the strap, belt or web in the clamp increases the force with which said clamp engages said strap, belt or web in the closed position of said clamp. 